Ms. Miller

6th Grade Music Appreciation Class
This class is intended to provide appreciation and understanding for the non-performer as well as valuable background and knowledge for student musicians. A large part of our curriculum is music history from the years 450 to 1750. In addition we learn about the professional orchestra, instruments from around the world, and the American musical. We listen to many great pieces of music in a variety of styles and learn to analyze and evaluate the music in its cultural or historical context.

8th Grade Music Appreciation Class
In this class we study music from the year 1750 to the present time covering the Classical period (1750-1825), the Romantic era (1800’s), and the 20^th Century as well as a study of jazz and musicals. This compliments the study we began in 6^th grade with Medieval music, the Renaissance, and the Baroque period ending in 1750. We listen to many great pieces of music in a variety of styles and learn to analyze and evaluate the music in its cultural or historical context.

HOMEWORK & TEST INFORMATION
Instead of daily homework, students are given an assigment or project for each unit. Students receive a detailed sheet of instructions for each assignment. Late work receives a lower grade but it is always better to turn in an assignment late rather than not at all. Below are our units of study with due dates for any current assignment as well as all past assignments.

1st ASSIGNMENT
Students need a folder with loose-leaf paper or a notebook for this class. The cover needs to show the subject "MUSIC" and the student's first and last name. In addition students have been asked to decorate the cover showing either their particular musical interests or music in general.
Due Date: March 18

THE ORCHESTRA
Unit Assignment: Orchestra Project
Due Date:
Students have a sheet detailing the 6 choices for projects about instruments in the orchestra or various aspects of a typical professional orchestra. They must choose one to complete.

WORLD MUSIC
Unit Assigment: World Instrument Presentation
Due Date:
Students were each given an information sheet about the instrument they chose to present to the class. They must write a short paragraph to read to the class about the instrument and also either draw a picture or make a model of the instrument to show the class what this instrument looks like. (Models do not have to really play.)

MEDIEVAL & RENAISSANCE MUSIC HISTORY
Unit Assignment: Medieval Ballad
Due Date:
Students will choose a current event topic in order to write a ballad like minstrels would have done centuries ago. Students will receive a sheet with instructions as to how many lines and how many syllables in each line. The sheet will have a section for a rough draft and a place for their final copy.
Unit Test: Students will be given a study sheet to prepare for the Music History Test. We will go over the sheet in class and highlight it together.
Test Date: Jan. 26

"OLIVER", the MUSICAL
Unit Assignment: None
We will read the stage version in class and watch the musical together but there is no assignment for this short unit.
Unit Test: Students will be given a take-home test to complete on their own. Essay questions on the test must have enough detail to fill up all 3 lines provided for the answer in order to earn full points possible.
Due Date:

THE BAROQUE PERIOD 1600-1750
Unit Assignment: Baroque Newspaper Article
Write an article for “The Baroque Times” newspaper announcing the winner for “Musician of the Year”.
Choose from: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, Johann Pachelbel, Antonio Vivaldi.
    Include the following in your article:
        1. A little personal history, maybe childhood or family.
        2. Their professional career such as how or why they became famous.
        3. Some description of their music and the title of one of their famous pieces.
        4. A small hand-drawn sketch or printed picture of the musician.
        5. One optional item
Students have a sheet with detailed directions and we will have work time in class for students to use articles about the 4 famous musicians to gather information.
Due Date:
Unit Test:
The test is matching 12 terms with definitions and 8 pieces of music to hear and identify. Students have a list of the 12 terms with definitions and the 8 famous pieces of music with clues to identify them. We have been listening to the music in class together and will review the music pieces and the terms.
Test Date:
PROFESSIONAL CONCERT PROGRAMS
Unit Assignment: After studying a professional printed concert program from the Minnesota Orchestra, students will design a program and concert featuring one of the major world wide orchestras. Students will have a sheet listing all the items to include in their program design as well as information they may use.
Due Date:

Listen to more great music at home!

Sundays 1–3 pm,

a broadcast of the

St. Paul Chamber
Orchestra

and

Fridays 8–10 pm,

the
Minnesota Orchestra

broadcast live from

Orchestra Hall

both on

MN Public Radio

KSJN 99.5 FM.